Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and state Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner William Rubenstein made the announcement Tuesday morning.

They said the next step would be to license possibly five dispensaries, which would be located separately from the growing sites, and that medical marijuana would be available for patients by this summer.

“We’re talking about patients with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, PTSD and other debilitating illnesses,” Malloy said at a press conference at 400 Frontage Road in West Haven, where Advanced Grow Labs will base its marijuana-growing operation.

The law permitting prescriptions for medical marijuana covers 11 illnesses and patients will only be able to get enough for one month at a time. Malloy said he doesn’t believe health insurance will cover it.